The 900 Shops' "Illuminate 900" benefits Make-A-Wish Illinois

Thousands of Chicagoans ushered in the holidays in storybook fashion at “Illuminate 900,” 900 North Michigan Shops’ annual tree lighting event. The mall’s atrium was transformed into a winter wonderland by Kehoe Designs as it hosted its fifth annual tree lighting ceremony on November 17th. The event was an arts-forward, community-wide kick off to the holiday season, that delivered a most magical celebration for all 2,000+ guests in attendance.

The evening was packed with festive experiences complete with real-life toy soldiers, holiday performances, caroling kiddies, food and drink, and other seasonal surprises which signified the start of the holiday season for this iconic shopping center.

In addition to being a citywide celebration, Illuminate 900 was also a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Illinois. Each year, a Make-A-Wish child is selected to accompany Santa as he lights the 54’ tall tree. This year, 900 North Michigan Shops raised $24,000 for the wish-granting organization.

The highlight of the night was Santa’s arrival to light the magnificent tree, which was heralded by the joyous clanging of silver bells. With the Make-A-Wish child by his side, Santa led the countdown to shine the first holiday lights on Michigan Avenue alongside a committee of Chicago’s movers and shakers.

As soon as the majestic tree was illuminated, amidst a chorus of, “oohs”, and “ahhs”, a troupe of dancers from Forward Momentum brought the house down with a thrilling routine performed to the holiday favorite, “All I Want for Christmas is You, “ by Mariah Carey.

A variety of other cultural organizations, nonprofits and businesses from across Chicagoland also participated in this festive celebration. Ballet Chicago brought a multitude of costumed dancers to perform excerpts from the fabled holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.” The Real Elf (Tommy Holl), a life-like replica of the famous elf who watches from the shelf, was on hand delighting all as he walked about with a custom picture frame, inviting folks to, “Take an Elfie.”

Beatmix provided drummers with illuminated drums to perform a compelling rendition of, “Little Drummer Boy,” as well as a saxophonist to perform a holiday solo. Eddy Galstad, a professionally trained opera singer, came dressed in a custom gown with a fantastical crown of glistening icicles wearing life-sized angel wings.  She beguiled guests with a seasonal serenade as the “Angel of Peace.”

ZZAZZ Productions presented a chorus line of dancing women, ala the Rockettes, who performed in red velvet, white-fur trimmed costumes with oversized candy canes in hand. Male models dressed as toy soldiers playfully greeted guests upon arrival and escorted Santa to light the tree

A vocalist from the New Music School interpreted popular holiday classics and Bubbles Academy hosted a children’s ornament-making workshop.

Other activities throughout the mall included sugar cookie decorating hosted by Sur La Table and, in Aster Hall, 900 Shops’ provided passed hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails throughout the evening.

“Illuminate 900 has always been our Holiday Love letter to Chicago”, said Alicia Skruba, Marketing & Business Development Manager, 900 North Michigan Shops. “We couldn’t be more pleased to be able to create a moment in time where Chicagoans from throughout the city come together to be reminded of the magic and wonder of the holidays. And no better partner than Make-A-Wish Illinois, as they share their own kind of healing magic throughout the year.”

(Photos by Alicia Fierro of Aesthetica, décor and tech support by Kehoe Designs and BlackOak Technical Productions)

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